A preschool-aged child who is experiencing respiratory distress is brought to the emergency department by the parents. The child is anxious, has a temperature of 102.8° F (39.3° C), and is drooling from the mouth while leaning forward when sitting. Which action should the nurse prepare the child for next?

Schedule the child for a STAT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck.

Provide a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators.

Obtain bedside trays for intubation or tracheotomy by the healthcare provider.

Begin prescribed intravenous antibiotic administration.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Scheduling the child for a STAT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck is not a priority action for the nurse. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the internal structures of the body. MRI of the neck may be useful to rule out other causes of respiratory distress, such as tumors, abscesses, or foreign bodies, but it is not an urgent procedure. Moreover, MRI requires the child to lie still for a long time, which may be difficult or impossible for a child who is anxious and in respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Providing a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators is not a suitable action for the nurse. Nebulizer is a device that delivers medication in the form of a mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. Bronchodilators are medications that relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve airflow. Nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators may be helpful for children with respiratory distress caused by asthma, bronchiolitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not for children with respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction, which is the most likely scenario for this child.

Choice C reason: Obtaining bedside trays for intubation or tracheotomy by the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action for the nurse. Intubation is a procedure that involves inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to secure the airway and provide ventilation. Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the neck and inserting a tube into the trachea to bypass the upper airway obstruction. Both procedures are life-saving interventions for children with respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction, which is the most likely scenario for this child. The nurse should prepare the necessary equipment and assist the healthcare provider in performing these procedures.

Choice D reason: Beginning prescribed intravenous antibiotic administration is not a relevant action for the nurse. Antibiotics are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics may be indicated for children with respiratory distress caused by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, tonsillitis, or epiglottitis, but not for children with respiratory distress caused by non-infectious causes, such as foreign bodies, anaphylaxis, or congenital anomalies. Moreover, antibiotics are not an immediate intervention for respiratory distress, as they take time to exert their effects.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Giving prescribed intravenous antibiotics is not the first action that the nurse should take. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection and inflammation caused by appendicitis, but they are not enough to prevent the complications of a ruptured appendix. The nurse should administer the antibiotics as ordered, but only after notifying the healthcare provider of the change in the child's condition.

Choice B reason: Inquiring about the client's last meal is not the first action that the nurse should take. The last meal may be relevant for the preparation of the surgery, but it is not urgent or related to the sudden relief of pain. The nurse should ask about the last meal as part of the preoperative assessment, but only after contacting the healthcare provider.

Choice C reason: Contacting the healthcare provider is the first action that the nurse should take. Sudden relief of pain in a child with appendicitis may indicate a perforation or rupture of the appendix, which is a life-threatening emergency. The nurse should immediately report this finding to the healthcare provider, who may order additional tests or expedite the surgery.

Choice D reason: Documenting the client's relief of pain is not the first action that the nurse should take. Documentation is an important part of nursing care, but it is not a priority in this situation. The nurse should document the child's pain level, vital signs, and interventions, but only after contacting the healthcare provider and taking appropriate actions.

A. Encourage the parents to rest when possible. B. Make a list of foods that the child likes. C. Place the child in a quiet environment. D. Apply lotion to hands and feet.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Encouraging the parents to rest when possible is not the first intervention that the nurse should instruct the mother to implement. While it is important for the parents to take care of themselves, the priority is to address the child's needs and comfort.

Choice B reason: Making a list of foods that the child likes is not the first intervention that the nurse should instruct the mother to implement. While it is important to maintain the child's nutrition and hydration, the child may not have an appetite due to the fever and inflammation caused by Kawasaki disease.

Choice C reason: Placing the child in a quiet environment is the first intervention that the nurse should instruct the mother to implement. This is because Kawasaki disease causes irritability and sensitivity to light and sound in the child. A quiet environment can help reduce the child's stress and discomfort.

Choice D reason: Applying lotion to hands and feet is not the first intervention that the nurse should instruct the mother to implement. While it is important to moisturize the skin and prevent cracking and infection, the lotion may not relieve the child's pain and inflammation.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 9-year-old admitted to the unit with severe abdominal pain and fever is diagnosed with appendicitis and is placed on the surgery schedule for an appendectomy. The child reports to the nurse of experiencing sudden relief in abdominal pain. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A child diagnosed with Kawasaki disease is brought to the clinic. The mother reports that her child is irritable, refuses to eat, and has skin peeling on both hands and feet. Which intervention should the nurse instruct the mother to implement first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A school-age child with bronchial asthma has a prescription for albuterol. The child's parent tells the nurse that the medication is used when the child is having difficulty breathing. Which is the best response by the nurse?

A 9-month-old with Tay-Sachs disease is admitted due to seizures. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

A 10-year-old boy has been seen frequently by the school nurse over the past three weeks after school begins in the fall. He reports headaches, stomach aches, and difficulty sleeping. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

The nurse is caring for a child with sickle cell disease who is experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Which finding should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?

The nurse is caring for a child with chronic kidney disease who is experiencing renal osteodystrophy. Which outcome should the nurse explain to the parents about the sequela for their child with renal osteodystrophy?

The nurse is teaching the parents about important dietary changes for their child who is newly diagnosed with celiac disease. Which foods should the nurse include in the list of allowed foods for this child?

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to the caregiver of an infant with recurrent otitis media. Which statement made by the caregiver should the nurse recognize as needing additional education about minimizing subsequent infections?